While that is noble, what isn't is their arrogance and stubborn belief in their own correctness -- and sometimes -- that everyone else is a bumbling idiot.
> While that is noble, what isn't is their arrogance and stubborn belief in their own correctness
While a lot of very cutting-edge physics is just mathematical theory without experimental proof, another whole lot of it do have enough experimental proof to be considered correct and complete under the right point of view.
> that everyone else is a bumbling idiot.
But that's exactly the issue :-) ! Well, not really, but how hard can it be? Let's do an example. I'm one of those people who doesn't understand quantum mechanics, so I'll do a search. The first result is a page in Wikipedia, which is heavy with historical fluff but it links to the right places under "Mathematical Formulation". Right in the page it mentions and links to Hilbert spaces, and to all other needed mathematical concepts. If I were to become an armchair quantum physicist, it would take me a few minutes to understand it's all about the math. My next steps would be to buy a $1 paper notebook and a $2 pen, and start my journey. I'm sure that with a little digging, textbooks on quantum mechanics can be found for free. Will it take years for my understanding to advance from point A to point B? Very likely.
There is one thing however that I see causes severe issues over the place: people won't do math. It is not just about quantum-physics, but also stuff as mundane as compound interest or investment risk. The amount of missed opportunities and well-being for the dislike of math is astounding. Maybe, as a society, we should do better in that area.
Without the belief that you are right, why would you spend time pursuing something? If you're right, but nobody you talk to understands what you're saying then who is bumbling?
It's a question of perspective.
I have designed a new fusion reactor. I feel like the design has potential, and nobody seems interested in helping to evaluate it. I know there is a communication gap as well. I get different responses from everyone I talk to, and it's clear from their objections that some are dismissing the idea without understanding it. This leads to me dismissing their objections.
I know what the optics are, but still feel like I have to expend time and effort on this. If I don't do it, nobody else will.
In the end, it will work or not regardless of anyone's opinion.
